(Stock Exchange), a fall, or a speculator for a fall. To operate for a bear. To realise a profitable bear.

1

Bearing the market is using every effort to depress the price of stocks in order to buy it.

2

The arena of bears and bulls, i.e. the Stock Exchange.

3

Dr. Warton says the term bear came from the proverb of Selling the skin before you have caught the bear, and referred to those who entered into contracts in the South Sea Scheme to transfer stock at a stated price. (See BULL.)

4

So was the huntsman by the bear oppressed,

Whose hide he sold before he caught the beast.

Waller: Battle of the Summer Islands, c. ii.

A Bear account. A speculation in stocks on the chance of a fall in the price of the stock sold, with a view of buying it back at a lower price or receiving the difference. (See BULLS.)